While the iconic Fringe isn’t going ahead in Edinburgh this year, let’s look back on some of the most famous names that owe the festival some of their success.
5. Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Fleabag is one of the biggest TV shows from the BBC, with a slew of awards to its name. The programme is actually adapted from Phoebe Waller-Bridge's 2013 one woman play of the same name, which won a Fringe First Award Photo: Gregg DeGuire
6. Alan Rickman
While best known for playing Professor Snape in the Harry Potter franchise, Rickman's first major acting role was playing both Friar Peter in Measure for Measure and Wittipol in The Devil is an Ass at the Assembly Rooms in 1976 Photo: Ian Gavan
7. Rowan Atkinson
After performances at the Fringe in 1973, 1975 and 1976, Atkinson was spotted by TV producer John Lloyd. He also performed alongside Richard Curtis in 1976, who went on to write Blackadder and co-write Mr Bean Photo: ANGELA WEISS
8. Mel and Sue
The duo got off to a great start at the Fringe in 1993, winning the Daily Express Best Newcomers Award. A few years at the Festival led to the two landing appearances on French & Saunders, which launched their presenting career Photo: Stuart C. Wilson